Clostridium Difficile Flashcards
1
Q
Pathology
A
pseudomembranous colitis (yellow pseudomembranes)
2
Q
Causes / Risk factors
A
Clindamycin
2nd and 3rd generation Cephalosporins
Ciprofloxacin
Proton Pump Inhibitors
3
Q
Clinical Features
A
diarrhoea
abdominal pain
a raised white blood cell count is characteristic
if severe toxic megacolon may develop
4
Q
Investigations
A
detecting Clostridium difficile toxin (CDT) in the stool
Clostridium difficile antigen positivity only shows exposure to the bacteria, rather than current infection
5
Q
Management
A
Metronidazole
If this doesn’t work: Vancomycin
